Rian Johnson Shares New Images from the Set of Star Wars: Episode 8

It feels like only yesterday that Star Wars: Episode VIII first went into production, but even though we've still got over a year and half to go until the movie's release, it's apparently not just us getting wistful about the pace at which time appears to be hurtling by. Director Rian Johnson took to Tumblr to share new images from the Episode VIII's UK set, briefly taking a moment to reflect on the fact that he and his team are now over halfway through their 5 month production schedule.

Similar to the image he shared earlier this month (check the bottom of the page for that one), the set photos are black and white, artfully shot, but don't give a great deal away.

Credit: Rian Johnson

If you're wondering what that text on the side of the X-Wing says, it's "Rescue, Other Side" in the Galactic Basic language, Aurebesh.

(Credit: Rian Johnson)

What's clear from the second photo is that Johnson is continuing the wonderful lo-fi charm that has helped make George Lucas's original trilogy so timeless. JJ Abrams' The Force Awakens may have struck a nice balance between glossy visuals and physical effects, but there was a more futuristic feel to some of The First Order's tech. While it's not much to go on, this second image is showing an aesthetic that is more in line with The Empire of the 70's and 80's than the modern First Order.

Such changes in tone should be expected, though. Various members of Episode VIII's cast have commented on how different the general vibe has been on set when compared with that of The Force Awakens. Oscar Isaac recently commented that it feels like they could be making an independent movie, while Daisy Ridley revealed that there are far fewer restrictions on Johnson's set than there were with Abrams'. Getting an answer to the question of what that means for the end product, however, remains a painfully long way away.

(Credit: Rian Johnson)

Rian Johnson and his team are expected to conclude principal photography at some point in July. After that comes the one and a half year wait for the movie's release in theaters.